Thoughts/Opinions on ABCMouse.com?

ryanthegirl

G is in an in-home day care, he'll be going to preschool in the fall. I wanted to expose him to some learning opportunities before he goes. He's recently been really in to the iPad but I don't give it to him b/c all he wants to do is play Temple Run. I was thinking that I may try to set him up with ABCMouse.com on the laptop. I've read mostly positive, independent reviews. The only real negative that I've read is that it can be hard to cancel. Do any of you have experience with the program? 

If we go with the laptop, G doesn't know how to use a mouse, I guess that's a skill we'd need to learn. Is a 2.5 year old able to work a mouse?

If we go with the iPad I'm concerned that he'd just X out of it and go to Temple Run. Even when I have it locked he somehow manages to get out of the lock and do other things. He once ordered himself a Llama Llama book through my Amazon app while I was working out.

Any advice is appreciated!

MrsAmers

I don't have any experience with the website. Though we have used some of the games on pbskids.org. It took a little more fine motor control for the kids to learn to use a mouse. I don't remember if they could do it at 2.5, but I don't think so.

As for the iPad, he should not be able to buy anything. Remove your password from the Amazon app and iTunes purchases should require a password. Also, disable the ability to add and delete apps without the restrictions passcode.

Then, delete the Temple Run app and install educational apps. There are tons of them - puzzles, memory, letters, numbers, etc.

Or, don't worry about it. He's not going to be behind because he's been at an in home daycare. Really, there are no pre-reqs for preschool. :-)

ryanthegirl

Thanks, Amy. I'm so anxious that I've done him a great disservice by not sending him to a traditional center and that he'll be behind everyone else b/c of it. Logically, I know that is silly but I can't stop myself from feeling that way.

I do have a bunch of educational apps on there, but he's just not interested. I had temple run on there from when we took a road trip in the summer. He likes the noises the apes make, lol.

I've done all that since the Amazon incident (removing passwords, etc). I didn't know that you could put restrictions on adding/deleting apps. Thank you! I'll definitely check it out.

Recommendations for educational apps are welcome too, please free or paid! 

lala5507

My mil got a subscription through something.  We don't follow the curriculum or anything (both of my kids are in school) but the girls like playing the games.  And for what its worth both of my girls stayed home with me until they started preschool at age 3 and they never were behind in anything.  He will do just fine!

I also don't think learning is so cut and dry at that age.  Little kids learn so much just from doing things.  (count the steps as you walk with him upstairs, read to him, point shapes out to him in real life (look at that wreath it's a circle))

ryanthegirl

Thanks, I know. I do all those things with him. It's just the mom guilt and always feeling like I'm making the wrong decision I appreciate the support.

bride2003

Don't feel guilty - really preschool is all about learning basic concepts - motor skills, sharing, dealing with other kids & following directions, sitting still, coloring etc..

My suggestion -- forget about the computer or tablet. Buy one of those preschool books or pre-preschool books and go through it with him.  Play a game like the memory game or color with him.  Seek & find, read books etc... That is what they do in preschool.  Shapes, colors, making crafts.  You probably do most of that but that is what will give him a good start.  I wouldn't worry about the computer.  

MrsAmers

Ditto all that Sheila said, especially the part about not feeling guilty. Seriously, STOP. It doesn't do anyone any good. Not you, not G, not Casey. You are a great mom. You and Casey know what is best for G and have it covered. Stop second guessing and worrying.

ryanthegirl

Thanks, Amy. I know you and everyone else is right. I'm just managing a lot right now b/c the movie that Casey is on has an awful schedule, it's the worst one yet. I think I start to second guess every thing I do b/c I'm solo most of the time so it feels like I don't have anyone to check me or bounce anything off of - which really isn't the case b/c while Casey is physically not there - he's always available by phone and facetime to catch up with me and G.

I appreciate it and thanks for giving me some perspective.

4EvR&4AlWz

DD2 at just shy of 2.5 uses a mouse pretty well.

I currently am in my 30 day trial period of ABC Mouse...I don't like it.  I am canceling my subscription.  I just expected more from it.  It's not any different than many FREE or cheap apps out there (Elmo alphabet, Toy story free reading books to you, etc).  I can look some up for you and email you some of our favorites.

As for DD2 at this same age....we're focusing on colors, numbers, counting, letters....nothing too intense.  She's a totally different kid than DD1 as DD1 wanted to sit and learn and do flashcards, etc.  DD2 is learning through play and we go over colors on puzzles, or I'll even dump out 3 or 4 puzzles and have her figure out which piece goes to which puzzle.  Learning at this age is through play.  Even coloring is just for fine motor control with no goals.  Even scribbling....

Many times, I'll give DD2 a box of crayons and some paper and have her sit at the table while I'm cleaning up, doing my plans for work the next day, etc.  

Don't stress over it....he'll be fine.  

MrsAmers

Hey Ryan, we're here if you need us. :-)

My best friend is a single mom. She does have a partnership in her nanny, but at the end of the day it is all her. She talks to other parents all the time for perspective and ideas and assurance. Friendship is almost more important now than it was in our 20's!

ryanthegirl

You are so right, I never realized how much so until I had G. Parenting, especially in my situation, can be so very isolating, it's always nice to know that I have folks IRL and on here from whom I can get a reality check.

denalea

Another vote of confidence for you as a Momma!  I wouldn't worry about apps or anything like that.  If he likes Temple Run, then let him play it.  (S likes the dot game where you connect the same colors...)  It is fine motor skills right?!?!  I'm sure he's not playing for hours at a time every single day!  Anything that buys you a few minutes of productivity or peace, especially when you're solo, is worth it! 

I think the only thing I would really do would be maybe find a preschool that is a touch on the more "structured" side (remembering that nothing at age 3 is too structured!). I'm sure he will be just fine.  There will be kids all over the board with skills, and he will catch up in no time.

ryanthegirl

Thank you, Dena! Also, I still have dresses for you! I know you have a lot going on right now and with the holidays coming up I'm sure you'll be busy - let's try to catch up when it's convenient for you.

amyjoy18

While I think those things can be great, ditto the other girls that they're not a necessity.  And, my DS is super active--so computer/sit-down learning is HARD for him and I have no desire to make him try.  He finds it more fun to make things a game. 

Example--I bought some large colored foam shapes from the dollar store.  We throw them down on the floor and I'll tell him to hop to a red one, or run to the circle.  He has a blast and he's learning shapes, colors and following directions. 

Example 2--for letters we play the Dr. Seuss Silly Stretch game.  http://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Forge-Seuss-Super-Stretchy/dp/0981924840/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416412632&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Dr.+Seuss+silly+stretch